Unfortunately, accidents happen – and sometimes, they're at the hands of someone else. According to Compensation Recovery Unit data, the following types of cases were registered to CRU between 2022 and 2023:

  • Clinical negligence: 14,443
  • Employer: 43,728
  • Motor: 367,535
  • Other: 4.743
  • Public: 53,403
  • Liability not known: 478 

Making a personal injury claim can be a daunting prospect. If you or someone you know has experienced a traumatic injury due to circumstances out of their control, this will likely be the last thing on your mind. However, it can be hugely important not only to get closure on the incident but also to receive rightful compensation that will help you move on with your life.

Here's what you may want to consider.

Evaluating the Viability of Your Personal Injury Claim 

Firstly, you need to be realistic about whether you could have a valid personal injury claim to pursue. If the accident that led to your injury was not your fault, it may be that someone else is liable. Examples could include public authorities if you were injured in an unsafe public setting, healthcare professionals if you've experienced clinical negligence or other road users if you've been involved in a motor accident. Your lawyer will be able to help establish the details by doing further research.

Plus, you'll need to file a claim within the set time frame. Each jurisdiction has a statute of limitations, which includes a deadline for filing a claim once the incident has happened. In short, the sooner you get legal advice, the more time you'll have to build your case and seize this window of opportunity.

Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case 

Evidence is a crucial part of building a successful case. Alongside medical records and witness statements, check whether there are any photos or videos. There may even be CCTV footage available. The more you can find, the more solid your case will be, as the courts will be able to gain a clearer picture of the accident, assessing liability and the compensation amount. 

Understanding the Compensation Process and Potential Challenges 

There's no denying that raising a personal injury claim can be an arduous and lengthy process. Sometimes, if the other party doesn't accept liability straight away, it can extend the case unnecessarily. 

There are two types of damages covered in personal injury claims: special damages and general damages. These cover tangible and intangible losses ranging from a loss of earnings to the emotional damage caused due to the injury.

Sometimes, a case might cover contributory negligence, where the responsibility is shared across parties. On top of this, insurance companies can make a case more complex where multiple parties have a level of protection against legal claims.